Epping Forest District Council | Independent Living Strategic Review

Approach

When carrying out our Independent Living Strategic Review we assessed the current and future need for specialist housing in the area based on existing demand and population projections over the next 20 years. This was combined with information from a wide range of sources to give a comprehensive understanding of the performance of each scheme:

• socio-economic data
• the wider housing market and competing schemes
• the affordability of the Council’s housing
• how potential residents access the housing
• the resident profile
• the views of staff on a range of factors relating to the neighbourhood, the scheme and the individual homes
• the number and type of repairs
• planned investment
• a financial assessment to give the 30 year NPV of each scheme.

We rated each of the schemes as red, amber or green with a recommended future option.

We also made a series of recommendations covering remodelling and redevelopment, quality standards, the service offer, asset management, improving demand and how to improve financial performance.

Outcome

The Council has been proactive in responding to our report. Elected members have agreed its independent living strategy which is available on the Council’s website. The Council has introduced a new support model and it’s just starting its third scheme refurbishment. The emergency alarm system is also being upgraded this year.

Denise Pegler, Older Peoples Services Manager, said:

“The Independent Living Strategic Review undertaken by ARK made a number of recommendations, some of which have been incorporated into our Independent Living for Older People Strategy.  The service we received from ARK was professional, timely and ensured stakeholders’ views were taken into account.”

For organisations seeking a strategic review on sheltered and older people’s housing, ARK Consultancy stands ready to be your trusted partner on the path to excellence.

Contact us today.